Data recovery with MaxDataGenius
User manual for the versions Basic and Pro
Translated document, originally in German Version 1, updated in: 07/2019
Imprint and contact
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions Riemekestraße 11 33102 Paderborn Germany Web: www.grauonline.de
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Table of contents
1. About this user manual ...... 3
2. Data recovery with MaxDataGenius ...... 4
3. Preparing MaxDataGenius for use ...... 5
3.1 Downloading the software ...... 5
3.2 Unpacking and installing the software ...... 7
4. Versions and features of the software ...... 16
4.1 The software versions Basic and Pro ...... 16
4.2 Quick orientation thanks to the wizard ...... 17
4.3 More structure with the expert mode ...... 18
4.4 Software options at a glance ...... 21
4.4.1 General – Logging and paths and View options ...... 21 4.4.2 Recovery – File Types ...... 23 4.4.3 Recovery – Scan Region ...... 24 4.4.4 Recovery – Scan Options ...... 26 4.4.5 Recovery – Wipe Options ...... 27 4.4.6 Recovery – Bad Block Management ...... 29 4.4.7 Recovery– Save Options ...... 31 4.4.8 Revovery – Advanced Options ...... 32
5. Finding and recovering data on a medium ...... 34
5.1 Exploring volumes ...... 34
5.2 Recovering deleted files and finding lost volumes ...... 38
5.2.1 Scanning volumes for lost or deleted files...... 38 5.2.2 Finding logical volumes on physical disks ...... 45
5.3 Creating a disk image ...... 50
MaxDataGenius User Manual 1
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
5.4 Scanning formatted media ...... 53
6. Optimizing media with Disk Tools ...... 57
6.1 Applying Disk Diagnostics ...... 57
6.2 Influencing processes on physical disks ...... 61
6.2.1 Saving disks and volumes as disk images ...... 61 6.2.2 Recovering disks by restoring disk images ...... 64 6.2.3 Copying physical disks ...... 69 6.2.4 Refreshing disks ...... 72 6.2.5 Cleaning up physical disks ...... 75 6.2.6 Wiping disks by overwriting all files ...... 77 6.2.7 Analyzing disks with the HexViewer ...... 79
7. Index ...... 82
8. Glossary...... 85
2 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
1. About this user manual
Please read this user manual thoroughly before you install and apply our software MaxDataGenius in order to search and recover lost files. Also follow all relevant safety instructions in ordert to avoid any defects caused by ongoing or additional data loss.
When you read this manual, please consider the following graphical markers:
Safety instructions which are placed in relevant chapters of the user manual
Tip for a successful and easy use oft he software
Bold and cursive font style in the context of commands, buttons and Ctrl input fields within the software
Contents and target The user manual addresses several user groups who dispose of various levels of groups of the user manual knowledge when it comes to delete, save and recover all kinds of files. Consequently, this introductory chapter informs you about which chapters and functions might be especially helpful for your purpose and user scenario. In order to apply any software version of MaxDataGenius, you must be familiar with the basic functions of your computer and its file system (e.g. Windows, Mac).
In chapter 2, the manual provides you with important basic information concerning the use and designated purpose of the software, but also about its limitations. In chapter 3, especially users who are not familiar yet with file saving and their Windows file system are provided with an installation guide, starting with the software download. The installation guide presents all requirements, software messages and processes during download and installation step by step. Chapter 4 contains important information for you if you want to get a deeper understanding of processes running in the background of your media and of IT terminology around data management and data recovery. In chapter 4, you will also find details about the two available software versions „Basic“ and „Pro“. The chapter also explains the wizard principle behind the fuctionality of MaxDataGenius. You learn to adapt the display options using the example Expert mode. The chapter closes with an overview of options and their individual configuration. Chapter 5 presents common user scenarios, explained step by step. In chapter 6 you learn how to apply the software in its Pro version in order to optimize the performance of physical disks with the help of Disk Tools.Consequently,chapter 6 and especially the section 6.2.6 mainly address users who dispose of a noteworthy previous knowledge about how media are
MaxDataGenius User Manual 3
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
constructed and how they function „behind their interface“.The index in chapter 7 makes it easy to search the document for keywords. Chapter 8 contains a glossary with all relevant IT terminology named within the user manual.
2. Data recovery with MaxDataGenius
There are many sources of data loss. Accidentally losing or deleting files causes a number of negative consequences, like personal inconvenience, data errors, material damage and loss in revenue. Here are some typical reasons why private and business files get lost or deleted.
. hardware defects on a physical disk . faulty or unintended formatting of a physical disk . unintended file deletion by the user . defects within the IT infrastructure (e.g. server administration, connected devices)
MaxDataGenius helps you to find and recover single files and folders as well as entire logical volumes on a physical disk. The software is compatible with harddisks, but Various user scenarios also with flash media, e.g. USB sticks and memory cards used with a smartphone or camera. The software also covers some additional features which will be presented in the context of specific data recovery scenarios and use cases for disk optimization. For example, the following scenarios are possible:
. scanning a physical disk for lost or deleted content . exactly diagnosing disk performance . creating logical copies of a disk with the help of disk images, . recovering a disk by writing back disk images, . creating direct copies of physical disks on other media, . refreshing a disk by rewriting it in order to enhance its performance and data quality . cleaning up physical disks by securely irrevocably overwriting disk space which is occupied by deleted files
MaxDataGenius is available in two versions with free demo versions for you to „try before buy“. The Basic version mainly adresses private and business users with Basic version and Pro common data recovery cases, common file systems and frequently used media. The version Pro version adresses business users who frequently work with a variety of file types, and file systems. The Pro version also recovers files on less common or very specific file systems and disk types. It performs the same functions as the Basic versions, but offers a broader spectrum of scenarios including Disk Tools. You find detailed information on the versions in section 4.1
4 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Please note: There is no guarantee that the software recovers all deleted or lost files correctly. Depending on the source and processes of data loss, it might not detect all certain files. In special cases, videos might need additional repair because they were recovered as damaged files according to their former file structure. If your video files are recovered but do not play as expected, you can download, test and use Video Repair Tool which is also available at www.grauonline.de.
3. Preparing MaxDataGenius for use
Caution
Data loss caused by software installation and execution on a damaged medium
MaxDataGenius can cause or enforce data loss if the software is
installed on the medium which you want to recover files on.
Never download MaxDataGenius to a medium which you want to recover files on. Always execute MaxDataGenius on an external computer or disk. If required, use tools like a USB adapter in order to connect the medium concerned with an external computer.
You will only get an ideal data recovery result with MaxDataGenius if you download, unpack and install the software correctly. The following instructions lead you through the process..
3.1 Downloading the software
1. Open the website www.grauonline.de in your browser.
2. Below the tab Solutions which you find within the context menu, select the entry MaxDataGenius – High-quality Data Recovery Software.
3. On the product information page, navigate to the download buttons.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 5
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 1: Download buttons for MaxDataGenius
4. Select either the download for the Basic or Pro version, depending on your purposes.
o The blue progress bar below the download symbol in your browser informs you about the download status.
Screen 2: Download symbol in your browser
5. Click on the download display to open your download file.
6 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 3: .zip file in the download folder
The setup wizard for MaxDataGenius shows as a .zip file in a new dialogue window. You can now unpack the setup wizard and execute the setup.
3.2 Unpacking and installing the software
1. Click on the setup wizard in order to start the software setup.
The setup wizard has been unpacked.
2. In the next dialogue window, allow the software to change the necessary configurations of your computer.
3. Select a language for the setup.
Screen 4: Language selection during setup
4. Confirm the license agreement and click on Next > in order to proceed.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 7
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 5: License agreement during setup
o The setup wizard now displays the path to the destination location.
5. Klick on Next > if you accept the intended location of storage .
8 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 6: Setup– selecting a destination folder
6. Alternatively, click on Browse in order to select a different destination location.
o The new location of storage must not be located on the medium which you want to scan with MaxDataGenius.
7. Confirm your selection with OK and click Next > in the main dialogue in order to proceed.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 9
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 7: Setup – alternative selection of a destination folder
o The software automatically creates a programme shortcut in your computer‘s Start Menu. If you do not want a program shortcut, you can activate the checkbox below the folder list.
o You can also browse your folders in ordert to select a different destination location for your program shortcuts.
10 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 8: Activating or deselecting the Start Menu folder
8. Click Next > to proceed.
9. If required, activate the checkbox Create a desktop shortcut In the dialogue window Select Additional Tasks.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 11
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 9: Optional desktop shortcut
10. Click on Next > in order to proceed.
12 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
11. Verify the location of storage and click on Install.
Screen 10: Starting the installation
o The installation process starts automatically. A dialogue window with security instructions shows.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 13
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 11: Installation – security instructions
12. Thoroughly read the security instructions displayed in the dialogue, then click on Next >.
o The following dialogue resumes the result of the setup process.
Screen 12: Finalizing the setup
14 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
13. Click on Finish in order to complete the setup process. Additionally activate the checkbox Launch MaxDataGenius Pro if you want to start recovering your data immediately.
o In case you just installed the Basic version, the content of the checkbox is Launch MaxDataGenius Basic.
Your software is now available for use at its intended destination location.
Screen 13: MaxDataGenius – start screen
MaxDataGenius User Manual 15
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4. Versions and features of the software
MaxDataGenius disposes of a wide array of helpful features in order to recover files and to optimize a medium’s structure and functionality. The following sections mainly address inexperienced users as they communicate some basic instructions about the programme. These are the following:
. similarities and differences between the Basic and Pro version . the wizard principle as an integrated tool for user guidance . the expert mode as an example how to configurate programme options . a brief illustration of all options integrated in the programme
4.1 The software versions Basic and Pro
The Basic version generally covers all common functions and user scenarios. It is compatible with file systems and media which are used in common private and business settings.
. FAT12/16/32: basic file systems which are integrated in Windows-based devices, e.g. flash media including memory cards, USB flash drives and Basic version harddisks) . exFAT: usual file system integrated in memory cards . CDFS/ISO9660: format for data storage for CDs . HFS+: basic file system for Mac devices, mainly harddisks . LDM (Logical Disc Manager): partition scheme in a Windows context . RAW: data traces which are not related to a file system, last possible recovery option . VMDK: creation of disk image files, logical disk copy and not a direct copy of a physical disk
The Pro version additionally offers features for file systems which are mainly used in a professional IT expert setting. Possible user scenarios for Pro are Linux-based file Pro version systems and Windows servers.
. ext2/3/4, ReiserFS, JFS: basic file systems for Windows-based devices . UFS/XFS/ZFS: file systems integrated in devices which are embedded in a Linux or Unix IT setting . ReFS: file system running in the background of Windows servers (Win2012/Win8)
Furthermore, the Pro version offers features which are not available for Basic users. This is because these features are not relevant or necessary for the user scenarios covered by the Basic version. The software resumes theses features as Disk Tools.
16 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
. Wipe feature: overwriting single files or a complete physical disk safely and irrevocably . More features for optimization: viewing a disk, diagnosing a disk, saving a disk, recovering a disk, copying a disk , refreshing a disk, cleaning up a disk . RAID recovery: recovering a logical organisation system for several independent physical disks ( RAID disk)
4.2 Quick orientation thanks to the wizard
MaxDataGenius was developed according to a wizard principle. A wizard is a User guidance through graphical user interface (GUI) which intelligently leads the user through all processes recovery scenarios operated by a software. The user interfaces collects and resumes all necessary processes and functions running in the background. The wizard only displays those entries and pieces of information which the user requires to execute the programme step by step
The wizard principle helps the user in many ways:
. quick overview and orientation while running the programme . efficient automatical assistance when errors and user questions occur . easy and intuitive handling, also for inexperienced users . simple user navigation, e.g. through the possibilities to automatically view the next instructions and to move back and forth in the process
Screen 14: Example of wizard properties
MaxDataGenius User Manual 17
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4.3 More structure with the expert mode
Another auxiliary within the software is the expert mode which is part of the view options. As soon as the first dialogue window of the programme has opened, users The expert mode – not can adapt the programme’s features according to their purposes. This works via the only for experts tab Options which is located in the dialogue window.
Screen 15: The Options tag in MaxDataGenius
Via the options, users can adjust the software’s functionality in order to make data Adjusting software options recovery quicker and more precise. Viewing all available volumes in the expert mode is helpful in order to grasp an overall structure from te beginning. The expert mode is located at Options > View Options. In order to view users must activate the checkbox Enable Expert Mode.
In the dialogue window, the expert mode arranges disk contents according to partition schemes. This viewing mode offers a precise overview on all available file Structured view of systems on a disk and on the files they contain. Clicking on a tab in the selection bar partition schemes limits the view. Clicking on All resumes the view of the complete list.
18 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 16: Complete view of disks and volumes in the expert mode
Common tabs in the expert mode
Tab name What does this mean?
OS Operating System:
commonly used term for a file system
MBR Master Boot Record:
integrated in the background processes of storage media until 2010 at present still used with storage media with a storage volume of in the Gigabyte range (e.g. USB flash drives, memory cards) located at block 0 in the bootloader contains a launch programme for BIOS-based computers and a partition scheme influences how disk space is assigned was introduced in the context of the recent UEFI booting interface for BIOS
GUID Globally Unique Identifier:
partition scheme which is integrated in the background
MaxDataGenius User Manual 19
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
processes of storage media with a high storage volume since 2010 replaces and integrates MBR fulfils the requirements of MBR to a greater extent
LDM Logical Disc Manager:
partition scheme running in the background pg a Windows-based file system influences how disk space is assigned enables special features like the composition and connection connection of disks and Windows software RAID through the Windows Dynamic Disks system not supported by the BIOS system
AppleMap APM (Apple Partition Map)
older partition scheme for Mac and Apple file systems which are based on Power PC and m68 replaced by GPT (GUID Partition Table) in 2006
Unix Name of a specific file system which is mainly used by IT
experts
Images disk images:
a logical image file created on the basis of a physical disk not a direct copy created on the basis of physical disk
RAID Redundant Array of Independent Disks:
RAID disk: logical organisation system for numerous physical disks creation of redundant (= repeated) data records in order to retain a RAID system if individual disks do not are damaged
Lost damaged or lost files and volumes on a physical disk
All all files , file systems and partition schemes which are
located on a physical disk
20 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4.4 Software options at a glance
Apart from the view options, MaxDataGenius offers a number of different options. Individual adjustment at The user can easily activate or deactivate, specific features by clicking on their several levels checkboxes. With the expert mode as an example, chapter 4.3 has illustrated how to find and adapt the options according to the user’s purposes.
It is possible to configurate individual parameters on several levels. After the user has clicked on arrow-down-button, a dropdown menu opens. The software also enables the user to enter individual values into certain input fields. The options are divided into General and Recovery, according to their range of application. In the following sections of the manual, the available programme options will be briefly explained and illustrated.
Screen 17: Summary of available options with dropdown menus
4.4.1 General – Logging and paths and View options
Logging and paths
Logging ist defined as the automatical and ongoing data writing process in the Target group: all users background of every software. With MaxDataGenius, users can individually select a logging level which fits their purposes in data recovery and process documentation. The selection of a logging level is possible within the option dialogue Logging and paths and then via the dropdown menu Current logging level. The following chart lists and illustrates the logging levels in a hierarchical order.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 21
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Logging level Log content Who selects this level?
no logfile Users who do not None want or need a logfile
results of data recovery Users who are not Report processes, briefly resumed especially interested in detailed background information
results of data recovery Users who Error processes immediately want to detect and display and list of errors eliminate errors and failed operations
results of data recovery Users who Warning processes immediately want to detect and display and list of errors eliminate errors, and failed operations users who want to display and list of anticipate further additional warning potential error messages created by the sources programme
results of data recovery Users who want to Info processes go deeper beyond the graphical user display and list of errors interface, e.g. for and failed operations internal display and list of documentation additional warning purposes or in messages created by the order to send programme proofs to a third party detailed automatical documentation of all relevant processes running in the software’s background
extensive or complete Mainly developers Debug and logfile with all relevant and IT experts who Debug 2 details about individual deeply analyse and processes eliminate errors in within a file system
22 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
For most users, selecting the logging level Info or below is Tip: sufficient. Select Report if you are going to scan a disk with a huge data volume (1 TB and more).
Users can also select the logging level Info via the programme’s menu bar. This functions via Extras>Show scan log. Via Extras>Show scan report, it is possible to view more detailed log contents.
MaxDataGenius‘ log contents are also available from outside of the programme. This works on a Windows-based computer via the path Start>Execute>Entry. The correct command in order to view logfiles is %localappdata%. All current logfiles are located in the programme folder for MaxDataGenius, which is either mdgb64 or mdgp64 (with the Basic and Pro version for 64 bit). It is now possible to zip the logfiles and to transfer them.
View options
With the View options, users can adapt two parameters:
. Enable Expert Mode . Automatically remove empty folders
4.4.2 Recovery – File Types
Under the option File Types, users can individually select file types and file formats Target group: all users which they want to search on their disks. They can filter the results which they want to get during a scan by deselecting all checkboxes for file types which they do not need in the dropdown menu. All in all, users can choose between 258 file types and filter their results
MaxDataGenius User Manual 23
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 18: Selecting and filtering file types
If you select the file types to be searched for precisely and Tip: correctly, the programme speeds up its disk scan.
4.4.3 Recovery – Scan Region
Disk scans can take a lot of time, especially if the software has to scan a high data volume on a physical disk. In order to structure the scanning process and thus to save Target group: expert users time, the user can limit the scan region on the disk. This functions via the scroll bars Start at and Stop at in the option dialogue Scan Region. Alternatively, it is possible to adapt the scan region via Byte Offset.
Important note: Common scenarios of use do not include or require any changes regarding the scan region. The option Scan Region was provided for expert users, e.g. if they need to scan a disk for RAW files. Changes concerning the scan region can reduce the quality of scan results.
24 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 19: Scan region – an option tailored to professional users
MaxDataGenius User Manual 25
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4.4.4 Recovery – Scan Options
Adjusting scan options is another possibility to save time for a disk scan with a high data volume. Via Scan Options, users can also stop, pause and continue a scanning Target group: mainly process. expert users
Scan Option Results of activation or input
Detect deleted files in Formatted only to be applied with FAT-based Scan (only FAT) file systems which run in the background of a Windows- based operation system only to be applied on formatted media
Collect only root items in only entries within a volume’s Formatted Scan (only NTFS) root directory are found only tob e applied with NTFS- based file systems files and subdirectories on deeper directory levels are not found recommended for NTFS-based volumes of 1 TB and higher in order to reduce the RAM memory requirements during a scan
Ignore all errors during the scan less information about errors and (no user prompts) potential damages for the user recommended for long-term scan processes on disks with a huge data volume (more than 500 GB)
Enable scan resume functionality possibility to flexibly time scan processes and to interrupt them more user security during long- term scans only to be applied with the file systems RAW, FAT, NTFS, REFS and exFAT
Use scan resume to lower RAM only to be applied with RAW file usage scans data saved during a scan (session data) is directly filed on the harddisk and not in the main storage
26 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
storage of offset data in the folder %localappdata%\mdgX64\ sessions no further storage of session data above the limit set by this specification
Ask for deletion of old resume users can influence volume data data on new scan and the size of the logfile
Maximum resume data size (MB) limited by maximum value input field for experienced or expert users with an insufficient value, not all files found on a disk can be listed after a scan has been resumed
4.4.5 Recovery – Wipe Options
Users can adapt the Wipe Options in order to wipe files and folders on a disk safely, Target group: expert users irrevocably and according to their purposes. The Wipe Options fulfil a safety function and are integrated in the software’s Disk Tools. With the wipe function, the software overwrites the complete disk. Users can select their preferred Wipe method in the option dialogue Wipe Options. When it comes to recent disk types in a flash or SSD format, the wipe method usually does not matter. In the case of magnetical media like floopy disks or older harddisks, the selection of a wipe method and its overwriting pattern influences how safely the programme wipes a disk.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 27
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
There are three possible wipe methods which are presented in the following chart.
Wipe method Results of activation
Toggling bits disk is overwritten with a pattern composed of the numbers 0 and 1 safety degree with regard to an irrevocable deletion: medium(for magnetical media) time duration: medium
Write zeros disk is overwritten with a constant zero pattern safety degree with regard to an irrevocable deletion: low(for magnetical media) time duration: short
Random numbers disk is overwritten with a pattern composed of random numbers safety degree with regard to an irrevocable deletion: high(for magnetical media) time duration: long
It is furthermore possible to activate or deselect the checkbox Create wipe report. So the user can individually decide if the logfile shall include the wipe report.
Before you select a wipe method, find out about all safety Tip: requirements regarding your wiping process. If your magnetical medium contains sensitive data, select Random numbers.
28 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4.4.6 Recovery – Bad Block Management
Caution
Data loss if damaged disks remain in use
Damage concerning data structures and data loss can occur if you keep
using a disk which contains bad blocks.
Create a disk image (as presented in chapter 0) before scanning your disk if you suspect your disk to contain bad blocks. Check your disk with Disk Diagnostics (as presented in chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.) before you start recovering files. Transfer your files on a safe and intact medium before you start recovering files.
Target group: all users Bad blocks are defined as individual data fields on a physical disk with structural damages.Users can view, save or delete a list of intact and bad blocks in the Block range unter the option Bad Blocks Management. It is also possible to manually delete entries or to add individual entries in the input fields From and To. All changes are confirmed via Apply.
Screen 20: Display window for bad blocks in MaxDataGenius
Below the block range, there are some checkboxes which are listed and illustrated in the following chart.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 29
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Operation if bad blocks occur Result of activation
Automatically add bad blocks bad blocks on a physical disk are automatically listed displayed as entries within the block range display
Automatically skip list entries during a scan, list entries which had already been listed are skipped saves time and preserves the disk structure
Fast bad block skipping entries which have already been listed are skipped faster time-saving, but not precise: intact blocks can be accidentally ignored z
Save bad block information into saved bad block information in the the scan resume path offset data (as presented in chapter 4.4.1 und 4.4.4) grants user insights into the current block structure for disk diagnosis
Restore bad blocks from previous bad block information is added to scans the entries listed in the block range display reminds the user oft he software’s previous scan results logfile is completed in a chronological order
Activate all the checkboxes listed in the chart above and do not Tip: deselect them. These standard configurations help you to get an overview on your disk’s structure quickly and easily. They also make sure that the programme’s functionality can be used to its full extent.In order not to lose important information, regularly save your block range.
30 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4.4.7 Recovery– Save Options
In the options dialoge Save Options, users can choose which processes in the Target group: expert users background must run and deactivate the one which shall not run. They can decide to which degree they want to receive information about the disk space on a storage medium and the data volume which is to be filed. They can activate and prohibit the storage of deleted and lost files. Furthermore, it is possible to activate or to avoid an automatical naming of doubled files. Finally, the user can limit the size of the files saved by the programme. All files exceeding this limit are not saved. The latter aspect is relevant for RAW files because they often take much disk space and need not be stored completely.
Important note: Limiting the size of stored files is only recommended if the user exactly knows the sizes of files which he or she wants to recover. A video with a known maximal file size of 2 GB serves as an example. When the software is run for the first time, it is not necessary to set a file size limit. It makes sense to set the limit if scan results have already been viewed and analysed. In this case, a limit can make further scans quicker and easier.
Screen 21: Overview of Save Options
MaxDataGenius User Manual 31
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4.4.8 Revovery – Advanced Options
The options dialogue Advanced Options includes some checkboxes and input fields for experienced and expert users who want to adjust the sofware’s functionality. Target group: expert users
Option name Results of activation
Enable quick scan for searching The software does not scan a disk lost volumes (search on partition block by block, but detects free boundaries instead of every block) space in the partition structure (partition boundaries). Partition boundaries become points of orientation during scans. quicker scans and recovery operations than block-by-block scans less precise results, especially for complicated data recovery scenarios recommended option directly after data loss has occurred
Show deleted files on volume only to be applied with the file browse (if this is possible without systems FAT, exFAT and NTFS a scan) deleted files are displayed without a scan, depending on how files got lost or were deleted
FAT filesystem: Enable FAT file recovery by means of the reverse lookup table cluster numbers which are located in the partition table of a FAT- based disk cluster: defined as several composed blocks within a partition table (as presented in chapter 4.4.6) examples of use: mobile harddisks with a data volume of 250 GB or less, USB flash drives, memory cards) softare tries to recover the cluster structure with the help of specific algorhithms to be applied after previous data recovery trials for a FAT-based medium failed
32 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
longer time duration of saving and display processes after activating this option
FAT filesystem: Enable high scenario of use: deleted files cluster reconstruktion which are located in a root registry of a FAT-formatted medium reconstruction of cluster numbers in the context of a Windows- based operation system activation optimizes file recovery results to be applied after previous data recovery trials for a FAT-based medium failed not to be applied with OS-X and Linux file systems
In the options dialogue Advanced Options it is possible to adapt the minimal and maximal RAW file size with the RAW Analyser. This method is recommended for high-volume video files which are only availabe as data traces. Users can further automatically compose scattered file elements while recovering MPEG video files. Therefore, they must activate the checkbox Try to concatenate broken MPEG video streams.
Tip: Before you recover RAW files, detect the size of concerned files. As a consequence, your data recovery results will be more precise. If you recover high-volume video files, heighten the value Bytes Maximum to 10 GB and exclude very small file fragments by adapting the value Bytes Minimum. The software then skips file fragments which are too big or too small.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 33
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
5. Finding and recovering data on a medium
The software includes a number of data recovery scenarios in order to find and recover files and folders. These will be presented in the following chapters. You can browse volumes in order to easily grasp the content of your disks while searching for files and folders (chapter 5.1). Furthermore, you can recover deleted files on physical disks (chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.) and search for lost logical volumes (chapter ). In case data loss was caused by faulty or unintended disk formatting you can scan a formatted disk to find and recover your files. If you are going to run extensive scans, it is recommended to create disk images(chapter 0).
Before you start recovering files and folders, always make sure Tip: that you an internal or external medium with enough disk space..
5.1 Exploring volumes
You can browse volumes with MaxDataGenius. This means that you can open and view individual folders and complete volumes on an intact physical disk.Depending User scenario: Browse on how your files got lost or deleted and which file system you use, the software volume immediately displays and highlights lost files during browsing
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Basic or Pro version.
2. Select the volume you want to operate with.
o The volume is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the volume’s properties.
34 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 22: Selecting a volume
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
Screen 23: Selecting a recovery scenario
MaxDataGenius User Manual 35
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4. Select Explore Volume and then click on Continue.
Screen 24: Detailed view of recovery scenarios
o In the following dialogue you can view all folders which are located on the volume. In this view mode, lost and deleted folders are marked in green
Screen 25: Browsing and viewing lost and deleted folders
5. Search your files in the folders displayed in the dialogue window.
36 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 26: Folder content listed in the table view mode
o For quicker orientation, you can switch between a chart and miniature pictures.
Screen 27: Detected files in the thumbnail view mode
6. If you do not immediately find your files by browsing the volume, also search for them in the folder $RecycleBin.
o Depending on the deletion process and disk type, it is possible that the folder named above does not exist for the volume.
By exploring your volume, you have found the files you were looking for. Now you can store them at another storage location via the button Save.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 37
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
5.2 Recovering deleted files and finding lost volumes
Deleted files and folders are often hidden in lower directory levels.It happens that they cannot be displayed via exploring a volume.In this case, you can conduct a Targeted scans for lost or targeted volume scan. If you lost or unintendedly deleted an entire volume on your deleted files or volumes physical disk, you can also find and recover it.The following chapters 5.2.1 and 5.2.2. will show you how to achieve these goals.
5.2.1 Scanning volumes for lost or deleted files
The following instructions help you to recover lost or deleted files on a medium.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Basic or Pro version.
2. Select the volume you want to operate with.
o The volume is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the volume’s properties.
Screen 28: Complete list of volumes located on a physical disk
3. Click on Continue.
38 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
Screen 29: Dialogue window with recovery scenarios and file systems
4. Select Find deleted files and then click on Continue.
Screen 30: Seleted recovery scenario, highlighted in blue
5. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the logical volume and the file systems to b e scanned. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 39
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 31: Confirming or resetting the recovery scenario
o MaxDataGenius now scans the volume’s file systems which you selected beforehand for deleted files and folders. Depending on the volume size and file sizes, a scan can take a various time period, from a few minutes to several hours.
Before evey disk scan, only select file systems which probably Tip: were relevant storage locations for your files. Consequently you can reduce the time period needed for your scan.For your orientation, you find a list of file systems in chapter. 4.1.
40 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 32: Progress during disk scan
o As soon as MaxDataGenius has scanned the entire volume, all deleted files and folders are presented in a dropdown list. The dropdown list is located at the left border of the dialogue window.
6. Select the folders which you want to browse (as presented in chapter 5.1).
o You can expand and minimize the directories at several levels by clicking on the symbols + and –.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 41
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 33: Found and recovered files in two dropdown lists
7. Search your lost files in the directories you selected beforehand.
o The view mode for miniature pictures can help you to identify the correct files.
42 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 34: Found and recovered files in the table view mode and in the thumbnail view mode
8. Select all elements which you want to recover via mouse click. If you want to recover an entire folder, select all elements in the folder via the hot key Strg+A or via the tag Edit>Select all.
9. In the menu bar, click on Save.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 43
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 35: Saving your files in a popup dialogue
o The software opens a popup window where you can choose a new destination location for your files.
10. Enter a precise name for your folder as you normally do on your computer.
11. Select a destination location which is not part of the volume you are using for recovery.
12. In the popup window, click on Save.
o MaxDataGenius now saves the recovered files at the destination location you selected beforehand.
13. Verify your recovery results.
44 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 36: Recovered files in their new storage location
Your files are now available at the external destination location.
5.2.2 Finding logical volumes on physical disks
When unintended changes in a physical disk’s file structure occur, it happens that the inner structure within the disk’s partition table and the allocation of volumes also get mixed up. Such changes mainly occur after the application of specific partition programmes. In consequence, the volumes’allocation deviates from the former one and the concerned volumes cannot be found anymore. With MaxDataGenius, you can search lost logical volumes on a physical disk, browse them and file them on a safe and intact medium.
Schedule an adequate time period if you want to scan disks and to Tip: browse in your recovered voumes. If possible, find out in time which file system the concerned volume is based on. You get detailed informations on file systems and partition schemes in the chapters 4.1 and 4.3 .
MaxDataGenius User Manual 45
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
The following instructions help you to find and recover lost volumes.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Basic or Pro version.
2. Select the physical disk you want to operate with.
o In the volume list, the volumes are always subordinated under the physical disks which they are located on.
o The physical disk is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the disk’s properties.
Screen 37: Selecting a phyiscal disk
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems. As you did not select a volume but a disk, the software automatically adapts the choice of scenarios.
46 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 38: Choosing your scenario for physical disks – automatical adaption
4. Select Search lost volumes,then click on Continue.
5. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the logical volume and the file systems to b e scanned. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
o MaxDataGenius now scans the physical disk for volumes with respect to the file system you selected beforehand. Depending on the size of the medium, a scan can take a various time period, from a few minutes to several hours.
Screen 39: Disk scan for lost volumes with progress bar
o Via Pause, you can interrupt the disk scan in order to resume it later. Via Cancel, you can entirely stop the scan and return to the previous dialogue window.
o As soon as MaxDataGenius has finished the disk scan, lost volumes are listed below the disk name in tn the dialogue. As presented in chapter 5.1, the software highlights all recovered logical volumes in green.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 47
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 40: Volumes which were found on the physical disk
6. Select a volume and click on Continue.
o The software again opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
7. Select Explore volume in order to browse the volume you just recovered.
o The software opens a storage dialogue with two parallel dropdown lists.
Screen 41: Selection dialogue with dropdown lists
48 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
8. Select folders in the dropdown list on the left in ordert o browse them.
o You can expand and minimize the directories at several levels by clicking on the symbols + and –.
Now you can save your lost volumes‘contents to an external and intact destination location as presented in chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden..
In order to browse several volumes one after another, open the Tips: volume list via Go back and Continue as often as required. Make sure that you selected the correct volume with a matching volume name. If you cannot find your volumes via Explore volume, start a targeted disk scan via Find deleted files (as presented in chapter 5.2.1).
MaxDataGenius User Manual 49
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
5.3 Creating a disk image
A disk image is defined as a virtual and logical image of a physical disk or logical volume. By creating disk images before starting data recovery, you prevent the loss Disk image: an exact of intact files on a corrupted disk (also see chapters. 4.4.6 and 5). The following virtual image of a physical disk instructions lead you through the process.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Basic or Pro version.
2. Select the volume or disk you want to operate with.
o The volume is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the volume‘s or disk’s properties.
Screen 42: Selecting a volume or disk in order to create a disk image
50 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
3. Click on Create image file in the menu bar.
Screen 43: Menu ribbon in MaxDataGenius with interactive tags
o The software opens a popup dialogue. In this dialogue, you can save your image file.
Screen 44: Choosing a destination location for a disk image
4. Save the disk image under a relevant file name as usual. Therefore, select a safe storage location on an intact medium..
o You can choose between.img or*All files* as file types. This selection does not influence the storage results.
o The programme creaters an image file at the storage location selected beforehand.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 51
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
5. Verify the storing progress regularly especially if you are creating an extensive image file.
o You can always interrupt or stop disk image creation.This works via the buttons which are located in the dialogue window under the progress bar.
Screen 45: Progress during the creation of an image fileF
o As soon as the programme has stored the complete image file to the destination location selected beforehand, you get a popup message confirming success.
o Your disk image is now available at the new storage location.
52 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 46: Disk Image in its new destination folder
Via button Load Image File in the menu bar, you can open all Tip: image files and use them for every MaxData Genius scenario.
5.4 Scanning formatted media
Incorrect or unintended disk formatting is a common source of data loss. Falsely Recovering formatted operated formatting processes cause changes of allocation within the medium’s media (Basich and Pro) partition structure. As a consequence, files and folders are still present but cannot be found and opened. In some cases, incorrect formatting also triggers the loss and damage of files. This chapter illustrates how you can scan a falsely formatted disk and recover the files located on it.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Basic or Pro version.
2. Select the physical disk you want to operate with.
o The physical disk is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the disk‘s properties.
o If you created a disk image and want to operate with it, you can open your image file via the menu bar (see chapter 0).
MaxDataGenius User Manual 53
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Caution
Data loss caused by automatic formatting through the operating system
If your operating system identifies your medium as an invalid disk and
automatically conducts a disk formatting operation, data loss can occur.
Click on Cancel if your operating system indicates automatic
formatting or disk repair.
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
4. Select Formatted Media Recovery, then click on Continue.
Screen 47: Selection of recovery scenario, highlighted in blue
5. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the physical disk and the file systems to b e scanned. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
o MaxDataGenius now scans the disk for deleted files and folders with respect to the file system you selected beforehand. Depending on the size of the medium, a scan can take a various time period, from a few minutes to several hours.
54 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 48: Progress during a formatted disk scan
o Via Pause, you can interrupt the disk scan in order to resume it later. Via Cancel, you can entirely stop the scan and return to the previous dialogue window.
o As soon as MaxDataGenius has finished the disk scan, lost files and folders are listed below the disk name in tn the dialogue. As presented in chapter 5.1, the software highlights all recovered files and folders in green.
Screen 49: Dropdown lists containing recovered folders on a formatted disk
6. Select folders in the dropdown list on the left in ordert o browse them.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 55
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
o You can expand and minimize the directories at several levels by clicking on the symbols + and –.
o The software shows a popup message when you click on individual files in a folder to open them.
Screen 50: Programme message when you open recovered files
7. Click on Yes or Yes to all if you are sure that you do not want to recover any more files in your operation system’s volume (usually: C) . Click on No if you want to use the volume for further data recovery processes.
8. If you clicked on No, select all the elements you want to recover. Store them on a safe external medium as presented in chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden..
Your files are now available at their new external storage location.
Only select Yes or Yes to all if you definitely completed all data Tipp: recovery scenarios.
56 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
6. Optimizing media with Disk Tools
When it comes to physical disks, you might want to do more than recover lost files or Additional features of the volumes. With the programme, you can exactly evaluate disk usage and potential Pro version disk structures as presented in chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.. Disk diagnosis includes the detection of bad blocks (see chapter. 4.4.6). Furthermore, you can execute a series of optimization processes concerning your disk’s internal structure. In chapter 6.2., you will learn how this works. In the chapters 6.2.1 to Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden., you will get to know more special features which are tailored to complex file recovery scenarios.Some features are only available in the Pro version.
6.1 Applying Disk Diagnostics
Before you start optimizing your disk or conducting other complex recovery Diagnosing physical disks processes, you should be familiar with your disk’s internal structures and defects. (Basic and Pro) Conducting disk diagnostics processes first is consequently the way to go. The following instructions lead you through the process.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Basic or Pro version.
2. Select the physical disk you want to operate with.
o The disk is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the volume’s properties.
o If you created a disk image and want to operate with it, you can open your image file via the menu bar (see chapter 0).
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 57
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
4. Select Disk Diagnostics, then click on Continue.
Screen 51: Selection of recovery scenario, highlighted in blue
5. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the physical disk and the file systems to b e scanned. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
Before you start diagnasing your disk, check your software’s Tipp: configuration with regard to bad block management. If required, you can adapt your configuration via Options >Recovery > Bad Blocks Management. The configurations are explained in detail in chapter 4.4.6.
6. In the following dialogue window, click on Start scan.
o MaxDataGenius now analyses the disk structure. The software further displays the performance and usage of data blocks and free Data blocks and free spaces. Depending on the volume size and file sizes, a scan can take a spaces on a disk various time period, from a few minutes to several hours.
o Via the buttons in the dialogue, you can always cancel or pause your current scan.
o As soon as the software has finished the disk diagnosis, you can view the results in the display dialogue. They are avilable in a graphical view and as a result list.
58 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 52: Results of a diagnostic disk scan
7. If necessary, conduct further specific reviews. Therefore, select either Bad Blocks or S.M.A.R.T. analysis.
o During S.M.A.R.T. analysis, the software detects deviations in the Bad blocks and S.M.A.R.T. disk structure and potentially faulty background processes. analysis o After the activation of Bad Blocks, the software automatically opens the options dialogue. In this dialogue window, you can view a list of bad blocks. You can open, save or delete this list (also see chapter 4.4.6).
o If the software does not detect any bad blocks on your disk, the list remains empty.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 59
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 53: List view of bad blocks (Blockrange) in the options dialogue
o If you activated Automatically add bad blocks, all bad blocks detect found during the diagnostics process are automatically added to the list.
In case the software found bad blocks on your disk, file the Tip: current status at a safe storage location via Save list. In doing this, you enhance your data’s safety and get helpful information for further diagnostics processes.
8. Make sure that you executed and finished all necessary diagnostics processes.
o The software does not overwrite data with Disk Diagnostics. Nonetheless, you should not repeat these processes too often because bad blocks can become redundant on a disk. It is always recommended to create an image file after the detection of bad blocks (see chapter 5.3).
Disk diagnostics are fiinished now. If necessary, you can choose another scenario.
60 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
6.2 Influencing processes on physical disks
With the Disk Tools included in MaxDataGenius Pro, you can influence your media’s Disk Tools for a better disk data security andperformance. Applying Disk Tools is easiest if you are already performance (Pro version) experienced regarding disk structures. If not, the following instructions illustrate how to apply these features.
6.2.1 Saving disks and volumes as disk images
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Pro version. Creating image files via Disk Tools (also see 2. Select the disk or volume you want to operate with. chapter 5.3) o The disk or volume is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the volume’s or disk’s properties.
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
4. Select Disk Tools.
Screen 54: Selecting disk tools among the recovery scenarios
Via Disk Tools, you save a disk or volume by creating a disk image Tip: (also: image file). In chapter 0 , you already got familiar with another method of writing disk images.
5. Select Create Image, then click on Continue.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 61
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 55: Selection of scenarios among the disk tools
6. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the physical disk and the file systems to be scanned. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
o The software opens a popup dialogue. In this dialogue, you can save your image file.
Screen 56: Choosiing a destination location for a disk image
7. Save the disk image under a relevant file name as usual. Therefore, select a safe storage location on an intact medium..
o You can choose between.img or*All files* as file types. This selection does not influence the storage results.
62 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
8. Verify the progress during the storage regularly especially if you are creating an extensive image file.
o You can always interrupt or stop disk image creation.This works via the buttons which are located in the dialogue window under the progress bar.
o As soon as the programme has stored the complete image file to the destination location selected beforehand, you get a popup message confirming success.
Your disk image is now available at the new storage location.
Screen 57: Disk image in its new destination folder
MaxDataGenius User Manual 63
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
6.2.2 Recovering disks by restoring disk images
You cannot only create an image file with the disktools, you can also restore it on a physical disk through reverse writing processes. This method for file system recovery Restoring disks through is suitable if the image files serves as a transfer tool between many physical disks. reverse writing Reverse writing processes are further initiated for computer resets or for multiple installations of operating system on similar comoputers.
Caution
Data loss if a disk image is reverse-written on a medium with data content
Reverse writing of disk images can cause data loss if data content is
located on the target medium. The software entirely overwrites the target medium during the process.
If you want to reverse-write disk images, do not use any disks with relevant contents as target media.
In order to process reverse writing of disk images (also: image files), use an empty target medium with a sufficient data volume.
The following instructions illustrate how you can reverse-write an image file and the restore a complete disk on another medium.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Pro version.
2. Select the physical disk you want to restore a disk image on.
o The disk is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the disk’s properties.
Select a target medium which has more data volume than the Tipp: size of the disk image you want to reverse-write on it. Only then MaxDataGenius can fully perform the writing process and attain a complete result.
64 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
4. Select Disk Tools.
Screen 58: Selecting the disk tools among the recovery scenarios
5. Select Create Image, then click on Continue .
Screen 59: Selection of scenario among the disk tools
6. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the physical disk as a target medium and the targeted file systems. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
7. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a popup message with a warning that all files on the target medium will be overwritten.
8. If you agree with the overwriting of the target medium, confirm the message with Yes. If you want to select a different target medium, click on No.
9. After confirming the programme message, click on Continue.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 65
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 60: Programme message before reverse-writing
o The software opens a dialogue window so you can navigate to your disk images.
10. Select the disk image which you want to restore on the target medium.
66 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 61: Opening the disk image which shall be restored
11. Close all applications with access to the target medium (e.g. Windows Explorer). Confirm the following programme message in order to proceed.
o The software now restores the disk image on the target medium by reverse-writing it.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 67
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 62: Progress during the restoring process
12. Verify the transfer progress regularly especially if you are restoring an extensive image file.(also see chapter 0).
o As soon as the software has finished the restoring process, you get a programme message confirming success.
13. Verify the result on the target medum. If necessary, repeat theprocess and once more follow the instructions 1 to 11.
You have restored your disk image on another safe and intact target medium.
68 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
6.2.3 Copying physical disks
There are many scenarios of use which require a direct disk copy, e.g. if you need to Creating direct copies of copy a high-volume harddisk and only need a few copies. Thus you can transfer a physical disks physical disk’s file and partition structure directly to another medium. The target medium must at least cover the original disk’s data volume. While copying the disk, the data structure is transferred block by block. The following instructions lead you to the process of creating a direkt disk copy.
Caution
Data loss caused by creating disk copies on media with data content
Creating a direkt copy of a physical disk on another medium causes data
loss if data content is located on the target medium. The software entirely overwrites the target medium during the process.
If you want to create direct disk copies, do not use any disks with relevant contents as target media.
In order to create a direct disk copy, use an empty target medium with a sufficient data volume.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Pro version.
2. Select the physical disk you want to copy.
o The disk is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the disk’s properties.
Screen 63: Choosing a physical disk for a direct copy
MaxDataGenius User Manual 69
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
The software can only create direct copies of physical disks. If Tip: you want to operate with logical volumes, follow the instructions in the chapters 6.2.2. and 6.2.1.
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
4. Select Disk Tools.
5. Among the disk tools, select Copy Disk, then click on Continue.
Screen 64: Selecting the Copy Disk scenario
o The software once more opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
6. Select another physical disk as a target medium, then click on Continue (as presented in step 2).
Screen 65: Selecting a physical target medium from the volume list
70 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
7. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the physical disk as a target medium and the targeted file systems. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
8. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a popup message with a warning that all files on the target medium will be overwritten.
9. If you agree with the overwriting of the target medium, confirm the message with Yes. If you want to select a different target medium, click on No.
10. After confirming the programme message, click on Continue.
Screen 66: Programme message before a direct disk copy is created
11. Close all applications with access to the target medium (e.g. Windows Explorer) Confirm the following programme message in order to proceed.
o The software now directly copies the source medium to the target medium.
12. Verify the transfer progress regularly especially if you are copying a disk with a high data volume.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 71
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
o As soon as the software has finished the copying process, you get a programme message confirming success.
13. Verify the result on the target medum. If necessary, repeat theprocess and once more follow the instructions 1 to 11.
You have created a disk copy on another safe and intact target medium.
6.2.4 Refreshing disks
In case you stored your disk over a long time period or only seldomly used it, the medium’s data security might get diminished. In consequence delays and errors Refreshing disks: more during reading processes occur.You can refresh individual logical volumes or entire resiliency and performance physical disk in order to enhance your disk’s resiliency and performance. The software then rewrites the volume or disk block by block. The following instructions lead you through the refreshing process.
The software can refresh logical volumes located on a physical Tip: disk, but also the complete disk. Therefore stick to a reasonable order of volumes which you want to optimize in their partition schemes. Reminder: The chapters 4 und 8 inform you on the differences between logical volumes and physical disks.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Pro version.
2. Select the logical volume or physical disk you want to refresh.
o The volume or disk is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the volume’s or disk’s properties.
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
4. Select Disk Tools.
5. Among the disk tools, select Refresh Disk, then click on Continue.
72 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
o You can navigate through the Disk Tools via the arrow buttons.
.
Screen 67: Selecting the scenario Refresh Disk
6. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the physical disk as a target medium and the targeted file systems. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
7. Click on Continue.
8. Close all applications with access to the target medium (e.g. Windows Explorer) Confirm the following programme message in order to proceed.
Screen 68: Closing all applications with access to the target medium
o The software now rewrites the selected disk or volume block by block.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 73
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
9. Verify the refreshing progress regularly especially if you are rewriting a volume or disk with a high data volume.
o As soon as the software has finished the rewriting process, you get a programme message confirming success.
10. Open the refreshed volume on your computer and verify the results.
11. Quit MaxDataGenius if your operating system shows the error message Access denied. Then open the refreshed volume or disk again on your computer.
o The error message Access denied can occur whenever you are transferring volumes, disks or disk images to another medium.
Screen 69: Intact file structure of the refreshed volume or disk
You have refreshed your logical volume or physical disk.
74 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
6.2.5 Cleaning up physical disks
When files are deleted, their data traces are stored by most file systems and are not Cleaning up disks – a definitely eliminated by the operating system. Data recovery softwar might be able security feature to read and recover these traces. Detectable traces can be a security risk or privacy issue, though, especially with sensitive data. If you need to irrevocably delete all lost or deleted files, you can clean up your medium. While eliminating these files, MaxDataGenius grants absolute safety by accessing your operating system’s functions only on a file-based level. The software neither overwrites existing intact files nor the file system’s logical structure. The following instructions lead you through the cleanup process.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Pro version.
2. Select the physical disk you want to clean up.
o The disk is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the disk’s properties.
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
4. Select Disk Tools.
5. Among the disk tools, select Cleanup disk, then click on Continue.
Screen 70: Selecting the scenario Cleanup disk
6. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario, the physical disk as a target medium and the targeted file systems. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
7. Click on Continue.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 75
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
8. Confirm the following programme message by clicking on Yes in order to proceed.
o The software now overwrites data traces of lost or deleted files on the medium selected beforehand.
Screen 71: Programme message before disk cleanup
9. Verify the cleanup progress regularly especially if you are eliminating data traces on a disk with a high data volume.
o As soon as the software has finished the cleanup process, you get a programme message confirming success.
The physical disk has been cleaned up. The software has safely overwritten all lost and deleted files in the disk’s free spaces.
76 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
6.2.6 Wiping disks by overwriting all files
Caution
Data loss after overwriting all files on a medium with data content
Overwriting all files on a disk safely and irrevocably can lead to
unintended data loss if the concerned medium has intact data content on it. Data loss also occurs if you cancel the process immediately after you started it.
Only apply the disk tool Wipe Disk if you are sure that you do not need the files located on the disk any more. In case you are not sure, store potentially relevant files on another intact medium.
Only select the wipe feature if you are determined to irrevocably delete all files. If you only want to eliminate data traces of deleted or lost files, apply the disk tool Cleanup disk (see chapter 6.2.5).
Irrevocable deletion of all There are scenarios which require disk wiping to an extent which makes it impossible disk contents für data recovery programmes to detect or analyse any data traces. For example, irrevocable disk wiping can be required if you want to wipe and use a disk containing sensitive data for a different purpose. The complete disk wiping can also solve problems with faulty partitioning processes and eliminate other logical errors in the context of a operating system. In order to definitely wipe your physical disk, follow the instructions of this chapter.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Pro version.
2. Select the physical disk you want to wipe.
o The disk is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the disk’s properties.
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
4. Select Disk Tools.
5. Among the disk tools, select Wipe Disk,then click on Continue.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 77
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 72: Selecting the scenario Wipe Disk
6. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario and the file systems. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
7. Click on Continue.
8. Verify if you really want to irrevocably delete all files and folders on your disk. If you are sure, confirm the following programme message by clicking on Yes.
Screen 73: Programme message informing about complete disk wiping
9. Close all applications with access to the medium you want to wipe (e.g. Windows Explorer). Then confirm the following programme message in order to proceed.
78 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
o The software now definitely removes all files and folders from the disk.
10. Verify the wiping progress regularly especially if you are removing all files from a disk with a high data volume.
o As soon as the software has finished the wiping process, you get a programme message confirming success.
The software deleted all files and folders on the physical disk. All files were safely removed and overwritten. Removed volumes and contents are no longer displayed in the list of available volumes.
You must reformat your disk after you wiped its contents in order to Tips: reuse it for another purpose.Windows automatically offers you to reformat the medium. After you recovered files on a corrupted medium, you can wipe the medium if the operating system does not read it correctly. Disk wiping, sometimes in conjunction with a reformatting process, can then solve compatibility issues. As well as complete physical disks, you can also wipe individual logical volumes, files and folders.
6.2.7 Analyzing disks with the HexViewer
MaxDataGenius automatically executes many background processes concerning your HexViewer – an analysis disks‘internal structure. Nonetheless, there are users who want or need to analyse tool for data experts their disks‘structures themselves in order to conduct specific tests or operations. This requirement mainly addresses users who are experienced in disk diagnostics and disk structure optimization, or those who work with data administration an IT security on a professional level. Users who are experienced with analysing RAW files can get detailed information about the files located on their disks. Therefore, they can check the binary view which is integrated in the HexViewer. In order to open the binary view, follow the instructions in this chapter.
1. Start MaxData Genius in the Pro version.
2. Select the disk or volume you want to operate with.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 79
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
o The disk or volume is highlighted in blue as soon as you selected it by click. The software also opens a dialogue which displays the volume’s or disk’s properties.
3. Click on Continue.
o The software opens a dialogue window with possible data recovery scenarios and file systems.
4. Select Disk Tools.
5. Among the disk tools, select View Disk,then click on Continue.
Screen 74: Selecting the scenario View Disk
6. Verify if you correctly selected the data recovery scenario and the file systems. Then click on Continue.
o After an incorrect selection, you can click on Go back in order to change it.
7. Click on Continue.
o The software opens the HexViewer in a new dialogue window. The HexViewer dialogue displays all elements available on the volume as hex values, as binary coded decimals and as an ASCII chart.
80 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
Screen 75: Logical volume displayed in the hex viewer, ready for further analysis
Your disk or volume is now displayed in the binary view so you can conduct further tests and operations. For example, you can manually define a scan region (Byte Offset, also see chapter 4.4.3), scan your disk or volume for available file formats, store data within a defined scan region in a clipboard or transfer selected data to the logfile.
Apply the HexViewer in order to keep track of your disk’s or Tips: volume’s contents. Before your analyse your disk or volume with the HexViewer, verify if the configurations within the software options are correct and adequate für your purpose (also see chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.). If necessary, adapt them.
MaxDataGenius User Manual 81
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
7. Index
Advanced Options 32 bad blocks 29 bad blocks. 29 Basic version 4, 15, 16 block range 29, 30 browse 10, 32, 34 clean up 75 data loss 3, 4, 5, 29, 54, 64, 69 data recovery 3, 4, 5, 18, 21, 22, 32, 33, 77 Data recovery 1, 4 data recovery scenario 39, 47, 54, 58, 62, 65, 71, 73, 75, 78, 80 data recovery scenarios 4, 35, 39, 46, 48, 54, 57, 61, 65, 70, 72, 75, 77, 80 data traces 16 data volume 23, 24, 26 deleted files 26, 32, 33, 34, 38 destination location 8, 9, 10, 15, 44 directories 41, 42, 49, 56 disk 4 Disk 20 disk diagnosis 30 disk diagnostics 57 Disk Diagnostics 29, 58 disk image 16, 29, 50, 51, 52, 53, 57, 61, 62, 63 disk images 4, 34 disk scan 24, 26, 40, 47, 55 disk space 4, 19, 20, 31, 34 disk structure 30 Disk Tools 3, 4, 16, 27, 61, 65, 70, 72, 75, 77, 80 disk type 37 disk wiping 77 disks 17, 20, 23, 26 download 3, 5, 6 dropdown list 41 exFAT 16, 26 expert mode 16, 18, 19 Expert mode 3 FAT 26, 32, 33, 86 file formats 23 file recovery 32, 33 file size 31, 33 file system 3, 16, 19, 20, 22, 34 file system recovery 64 file systems 4, 16, 18, 80 file types 4, 23, 24, 51, 62 files 3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 18, 20, 51, 62
82 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
flash drives 16 flash media 16 folders 4, 10, 23, 27, 34, 36 formatted disk 34, 53 formatted media 26 formatting 4, 34, 53 harddisk 26 harddisks 4, 16 HexViewer 79, 80 image file 20, 51, 52, 53, 57, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 68 Linux 16 location of storage 8 logfile 22, 27, 28, 30 Logging 21 logging level 21, 23 logging levels 21 logical volume 39, 47 logical volumes 4, 34, 45, 47, 55 lost volumes 38, 46 media 3, 4, 16 medium 5, 9, 16, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 38, 45, 47, 51, 53, 54, 56, 62, 64 memory cards 4, 16, 19, 32 memory requirements 26 NTFS 26, 32, 86 operating system 54, 75 operation system 26, 33 options 3, 16, 18, 21 Options 18 partition 16, 18, 19, 20, 32 partition schemes 18 partition table 32 physical disk 4, 16, 17, 20, 24, 29 physical disks 3, 4 Pro version 3, 4, 6, 16 RAID 17, 20 RAW 16, 24, 26, 31, 33 RAW Analyser 33 recovery scenarios 17, 34, 56 reformat 79 S.M.A.R.T. analysis 59 scan 9, 23 scan options 26 Scan Options 26 scan region 24 scan results 24, 30 servers 16 setup 7, 8, 14 storage location 37
MaxDataGenius User Manual 83
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
storage location. 52, 56, 63 target medium 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 78 USB flash drives 19, 32 Version 16 View options 21, 23 volume 19, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38 volume scan 38 volumes 18, 20, 26, 32, 34 Windows 3, 16 wipe feature 77 Wipe method 27 Wipe Options 27 wizard 3, 7, 8, 16, 17
84 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
8. Glossary
Alternative terms IT term Meaning used in the manual
bad block basic unit within a physical disk’s structure which is corrupted or does not function at all
block basic unit within a disk’s sector, LBA (Local inner structure Block Address)
bootloader process runníng while a boot programme harddisk is booted (started)
cluster assembly of several blocks within a disk’s structure
cluster number cluster name on a disk, cluster entry defines the cluster’s allocation
data volume amount and properties of data which islocated on a volume or physical disk; relevant for the duration of scanning processes
disk refreshing, process to rewrite a refresh disk physical disk block by block; it helps to opimize and keep up disk performance
selection dialogue dialogue which enables context menu the user to select different scenarios or file types in order to proceed
disk cleanup, clean security feature of up disks MaxDataGenius which definitely eliminates data traces of lost and deleted files located on a volume or disk. All
MaxDataGenius User Manual 85
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
intact files stay untouched during the process.
file individual element volume item within a file storage system
file system file storage system for e.g.NTFS, FAT, which e.g. serves as a functional basis for exFAT, JFS, BTRFS, operating systems ISO, UDF, XFS, UFS, ZFS, EXT2-4
file type storage format for files file format in the shape of a volume item type, e.g. .docx oder .pptx as usual formats for office files
(physical) disk physical storage medium, storage medium which either medium runs independently or is integrated in another device (e.g. a harddisk in a computer)
disk image virtual image which image file serves as a logical copy of a logical volume or of a physical disk
disk space space available within a memory capacity disk’s partition table; it can be occupied with files or remain free space for further data storage; maximum capacity as a storage limit (maximum size of a medium)
disk tools features for an
optimized handling of media, e.g. restructuring, cleanup, copying, image features and disk wiping
dropdown menu List of selection options dropdown list which opens if the user
86 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
clicks on the arrow- down button
harddisk external or integrated physical disk for a computer or laptop
HexViewer/ hex view mode which binary view viewer displays a disk’s or volume’s contents and structure as hex values, as binary-coded decimals and as an ASCII-based chart. Users who are experienced with RAW file analysis can thoroughly analyse their volumes with the HexViewer.
logical volume virtual drive which is logical partition located and displayed on a physical disk
logging continuous automatical writing of events and operations running in the background of software processes
logfile automatically created file which consists of data records of background processes, logging results
magnetic media Physical disks which were mainly used before the establishment of SSD and Flash standards, functionality based on electromagnectical principles (e.g. floppy disks, older harddisks)
folder Assembly of individual directory elements (files) within a file storage system
options dialogue dialogue window in which users can adapt
MaxDataGenius User Manual 87
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
the programme options on several levels
partition scheme structural scheme partition type which defines a partition table (e.g. MBR, GUID, LDM, AppleMap, IRIX, ZFS)
partition table structure table within a file system which defines the allocation of logical volumes on a physical disk
physical disk hardware which can disk, (physical) include more than one medium partition, e.g. a physical harddisk
popup dialogue dialogue window with several operations to choose from,overlaps with another dialogue and disappears after selection (e.g. confirmation of a programme message)
RAW file file type which is composed of data traces; often occurs in an expert environment; normally very big files
RAW analysis analysis of files which only exist in a RAW format; mainly conducted by IT experts; often the last possible recovery option
recovery scenario Selected feature of data recovery MaxDataGenius in scenario order to search or recover volumes, folders and files
scan, to scan automatical search run search, search run on a disk in order to find and recover lost
88 User Manual MaxDataGenius
Grau GmbH Hardware & Software Solutions
files and folders
session files Data which is stored in saved programme a physical disk’s files, offset data memory during all programm operations and processes
setup process of installing a installation software on a device, e.g. a computer
setup assistant auxiliary tool which is Installation wizard integrated in a software and leads the user through the installation process
S.M.A.R.T. analysis Self-Monitoring, SMART analysis Analysis and Reporting Technology. Industrial standard for harddisks and SSD media, serves as a monitoring tool which detects potential damages and security risks. It functions by analysing values which are transmitted by different sensors within the disk’s internal structure.
storage location location where intact or destination location recovered files and folders are saved
tool bar bar with symbols which serves to select a feature (for this programme: a recovery scenario)
wizard user interface which assistant, GUI sums up relevant (graphic user processes running in interface) the background and which interactively leads the user through all software operations
MaxDataGenius User Manual 89